How to Erase Skin Discoloration

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BRENDA BARRON Last Updated: Jul 18, 2017

Brenda Barron

Brenda Barron is a writer, editor and researcher based in Southern California. She has worked as a writer since 2004, with work appearing in online and print publications such as BabyZone, "Cat Fancy" and "ePregnancy." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from California State University, Long Beach.

A woman is moisturizing her hands.Photo Credit thodonal/iStock/Getty Images

While usually not damaging to your health, skin discoloration can make you feel self-conscious and uncomfortable about your appearance. Many conditions can cause uneven pigmentation, from birthmarks to vitiligo. Although it is a cosmetic concern, there are ways to get rid of skin discoloration and restore a more even skin tone to your face and other parts of the body through the use of creams and dermatological procedures.

Step 1

Use an over-the-counter cream to lighten your skin. A common ingredient to look for is glycolic acid, which acts as a chemical peel. This will slough off the top layer of your skin and reveal more even tones after several treatments.

While it's unlikely you will get rid of severe discolorations like birthmarks entirely, you will fade them significantly with regular use.

Step 2

Use a hydroquinone-based cream to lighten your skin. This is essentially skin bleach and will dramatically lighten your skin with regular use. Be warned, however, that this substance will make any area it touches lighter and more sensitive. It is not generally recommended for those with dark skin.

Step 3

Use sunscreen every day. Make sure it has at least SPF 15. This will protect your skin from sun damage, which can make discoloration even worse. Likewise, skin lightening products make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun, and even more prone to sun damage.

Step 4

Perform home remedies to erase skin discoloration. Lemon juice is highly acidic and can fade dark spots and uneven pigment on the skin with regular use. Just soak a piece of cotton in the juice and wipe it over clean skin. Repeat this for at least two months, at which time you should see a lightening of the discoloration.

Step 5

Undergo cosmetic procedures to have your skin discoloration removed. Dermabrasion, phenol chemical peels and laser therapy can be used to remove discolored spots and create a more even skin tone.

These procedures require recovery time and can be expensive, however, so make sure they are the most appropriate treatment for you before moving forward.

Things You'll Need

Glycolic acid chemical peel

Hydroquinone

Sunscreen

Lemon juice

Cotton pads

Tips

Warnings

Be careful using lightening creams like hydroquinone because they permanently bleach your skin, leaving it susceptible to sun damage. Do not use bleaching creams if you have dark skin. Consult a doctor before using a bleaching cream. Don't go out in the sun unless protected with at least SPF 15 sunscreen. Discontinue use of any product if it causes skin irritation.